TITLE: Title
Discussion on Land Use Ordinance Amendments relating to Tree Protection, Canopy Shade Coverage and Replacement Standards
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board to discuss potential text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance relating to the provisions in Article XIX, Screening and Trees, and the associated appendices A and E.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Christina Moon - 919-918-7325, Marty Roupe - 919-918-7333, Bob Hornik - 919-929-3905
INFORMATION: At the May 27, 2014 Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board adopted text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) to update the provisions for tree protection and tree replacement, and to establish new requirements for canopy cover. The amendments were also intended to incorporate more recent technology with regard to the tree planting techniques described in the appendices.
At the time of adoption it was anticipated that certain aspects of the amendments, might need further refinement, particularly the sections relating to canopy cover. Now, three years later, staff has heard from applicants seeking land use permits in the downtown (B-1(C ), B-1(G) and B-2 districts) that certain provisions can be difficult to satisfy while maintaining their desired building program-often a larger building on an infill lot. Board members have also noted the occasional tension between different ordinance provisions. For example, it may be difficult to plant new trees and retain a ten-foot sidewalk (Pizzeria Mercato) or to retain trees while improving site circulation or access to trash/recycling (Carolina Car Wash).
The attached draft ordinance is designed to create an opportunity for minor deviations from the provisions in Article XIX, Screening and Trees, for certain situations while retaining the overall intent to protect trees during construction, and to plant new trees for improved shading and canopy cover (Attachment A). Other changes-a new calculation worksheet in th...
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